The National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Food Drive to “Stamp out Hunger” will be held Saturday, May 12th. On that day, letter carriers will collect non-perishable foods such as canned goods, snacks or microwaveable items that community members place next to their mailboxes for donation.

“It’s our 20th anniversary,” NALC President Fredric Rolando noted. “For two decades now, our annual national drive has proved critical in helping millions of American families—our customers—who are struggling to make ends meet during this continuing recession. “Each year, the second Saturday in May is a day when all citizens have an opportunity, with the help of their letter carrier, to easily donate food to needy families in their community,” he said. The drive, the largest one-day food-collection event in the nation, has been a success every year, Rolando said, but the needs are particularly sad, even staggering, in 2012. “Sixteen percent of all Americans are at risk of hunger—uncertain where their next meal may be coming from. That includes 1 in 5 children under the age of 18, plus 4 million seniors who are forced every day to choose between paying a utility bill and buying food,” he said. “Last year, despite many obstacles, letter carriers proudly collected 70.2 million pounds of food, raising the total amount of donations picked up over the history of the drive to more than 1.1 billion pounds,” Rolando said. “With help from our brothers and sisters in the rural craft, alongside other postal employees and volunteers, letter carriers will do what we can again this year to help all Americans.” On a local level, the Christiansburg Letter Carries collected over 11,000 pounds of food last year. Food Operation Coordinator for the main Christiansburg office, James Mann, plays a vital role in overseeing the event. He commented, “Seeing the community work together in all areas, even rural ones such as Pilot and Riner, is so full-filling. Each citizen is helping a family with a basic need that stays in our community.”

The NALC hopes to set a record in donations this year with its support from the United Way and other sponsors throughout the country. Local beneficiaries include: Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program, The Shawsville Lay Ministerial Association Pantry, United Way MRF, Floyd Emergency Assistance Program, and Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread.

For additional information about the food drive, contact the local United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd office at (540) 381-2066 or by email at info@unitedwaynrv.org.

Bad luck doesn’t always fall on Friday the 13th. This was especially true for United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd. On April 13th the organization hosted their second annual Formal Affair: Casino Night. The odds were in their favor as 200 guests from the New River Valley arrived to a red carpet treatment at The German Club Manor. Attendees from around the New River Valley tested their luck on the black jack tables and danced to live music by Awesomesauce and DJ Gene Broadus. Guests also enjoyed prime rib, miniature cheesecakes, and took photos at April Amodeo’s photo booth. Thousands of dollars were donated in prizes from local artisans, businesses and individuals to entice guests to purchase extra raffle tickets and receive complimentary casino play money!

All proceeds from the event benefited the local community building efforts of United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd. This was an annual event and United Way looks forward to hosting A Formal Affair next year!

A special thank you to A Formal Affair’s 2012 sponsors: 94.9 Star Country; The Creekmore Law Firm; Domino’s Pizza; ÆSirTech Consulting, Inc.; La Quinta Inn; HHHunt/Foxridge; 1901 Group; Todd’s Jewelry; Allstate- Jason P. Hamby, Agent; Edward Jones- Jonathan Rosche, Financial Advisor; The Meadows Golf and Swim Club; CITC Imaging and Duncan Automotive. These sponsors made this event possible.

For more information on the event please visit www.aformalaffairnrv.com

Come try your luck at United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd's Formal Affair "Casino Night"

Friday April 13th, 2012
7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.
The German Club

Purchase tickets at www.aformalaffairnrv.com

Dinner ~ Dancing ~ Casino Games ~ Prizes Professional Photo Service ~ Cash Bar

Casino games will begin at 8:00 P.M.

All proceeds will benefit United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd's community building efforts. Please join us for an evening of class at The German Club Manor in Blacksburg. Dinner and dessert will be provided, dancing, casino games, prizes, cash bar and a professional photo service (furnished by Katie Thacker Photography). Please come dressed to impress, tuxedo not required.

This year United Way is seeking companies and individuals interested in running food drives for Thanksgiving. There are many families in this community who are not fortunate enough to have a Thanksgiving meal and we need YOUR help!

United Way will be working with three local charities (Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program, Radford-Fairlawn Daily Bread and Floyd County Emergency Assistance Program) the entire month of October to collect Thanksgiving food for those in need. All contributions stay local and will meet the needs of local families. Distribution of the boxes will begin in November by the three charities listed above.

If you are interested in running a Thanksgiving food drive, please contact our office at info@unitedwaynrv.org or (540) 381-2066.

A food needs list is available upon request.

THANK YOU!!!

NEW RIVER VALLEY – Beginning Monday, July 18th, United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd will have drop zones located all around the New River Valley to collect school supply donations. There will be two drop zone locations in Montgomery County, Radford City and Floyd County where individuals can donate school supplies to local children in need. A highly visible bin will be placed at the entrance of each drop zone with a United Way poster attached. These bins will remain in place until Monday, August 8th, when the Stuff the Bus drive will end.

In addition to these drop zones, United Way will be holding a special Stuff the Bus Event. This event will be held Friday, July 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Dollar General Market, located at 112 West Main Street in Christiansburg. There will be a school bus parked all day where local residents can donate school supplies!

All items donated will be given to local children in need of school supplies. With growing needs in the area and decreases in donations, local children need our help more than ever. read more

Sinkland Farms is partnering up with Cashing SS Cars and United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd to hold their first semi-annual Car Show & Swap Meet on Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The event will be held at Sinkland Farms and will allow car enthusiasts of the New River Valley to view a beautiful selection of classic cars. Sinkland Farms has much to offer including an Ice Cream Shoppe with many flavors to choose from, the Barn Pavilion, where live music will take place, delicious food from various vendors, and a beer and wine garden provided by United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd. The Barn Pavilion will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sinkland Farms is located at 3020 Riner Road in Christiansburg. There will be no general admission for visitors, only a $3 per car parking fee. The food from vendors and beverages will be sold separately as well as admission into the Barn Pavilion to hear live music.

Friday, April 8th Pulaski County was struck by two twin tornados. It is estimated that damages have reached $8.5 million dollars. The tornados left behind 82 destroyed homes, 196 majorly damaged homes and 193 with minor damage, according to the American Red Cross’ latest reports.

Pulaski County residents need the support of the New River Valley. The American Red Cross New River Valley Chapter is asking residents and companies to give monetary donations which are currently of the most need. The local Red Cross, with assistance from the region, will be providing client casework. Now ranked as a Level III disaster, it will take a minimum of $150,000 for individual client services. A direct, secure online giving option has been established for this local disaster at www.VolunteerNRV.org/donate. read more

Dinner ~ Dancing ~ Professional Photo Service ~ Indoor & Outdoor ~ Cash Bar

Please join us!

Friday, June 24th
7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.
Blacksburg Country Club

Purchase tickets at www.aformalaffairnrv.com

All proceeds will benefit United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd's community building efforts. Please join us for an evening of class at Blacksburg Country Club. Dinner and dessert, dancing, two cash bars, and a professional photo service by Katie Thacker Photography included. Please come dressed to impress, tuxedo not required. This event will be an indoor and outdoor event, please dress accordingly.

On Thursday, March 11, 2011, ATK Energetic Systems, in Radford, Virginia, presented a $50,000 donation to United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd. Concerned about the current economic impact on local families, ATK made their gift with intentions to assist with meeting the needs of local families.

"We are pleased to be able to help families and individuals in the New River Valley through this donation to the United Way," said Kent Holiday, Vice President and General Manager of ATK Energetics Systems. "ATK is a strong supporter of the United Way at the corporate level as well as through local divisions like ours. We know that our contribution will help people in our area who are struggling to meet basic needs." read more

Mention of her name conjures up the sound of her hearty laugh. She passed from this world on Sunday, February 20 as the result of a snorkeling accident while on vacation in Hawaii with Mike and friends.  Hawaii was a favorite destination of Karen's and I can see her enjoying herself immensely - she died while truly living.  For some reason, I can't imagine it being any other way for Karen.  Though selfishly I would have liked for it to have been twenty years down the road.

I've been asked for words that describe Karen, here they are: Passionate, Energetic, Motivating, Adventurous, Encouraging, Fun, Creative, Amazing.  Karen was an inaugural winner of one of three community Leading Lights awards presented in April 2009.  She was currently serving as Chair of the Leading Lights Selection Committee for 2011. read more

Please come out and support United Way by eating at Chu-cho’s Fresh Mexican Restaurant in Blacksburg on February 26th. Come in for lunch or dinner and 12% of the proceeds will be donated to help your local community! Stop by and get geared up for the Virginia Tech vs. Duke basketball game, come and enjoy some delicious food and homemade guacamole that is prepared tableside.

There will be lots to do! Show your Hokie spirit for the Virginia Tech VS. Duke Men’s Basketball game by having your face painted for the game, enjoy a game of corn hole on their new and improved patio, balloons for kids and great raffle prize packs! Drawings for the raffle every hour from 3:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Don’t miss out on this fun filled day! Chu-cho’s is located at 400 Turner St., formerly Bud Fosters and beside Buffalo Wild Wings in Blacksburg.

Tax season is here and we ask you to consider having your taxes prepared by H&R Block. If you did not have your taxes prepared by H&R Block last year, and you bring in a UWMRF voucher (found on the bottom of our homepage www.unitedwaynrv.org) H&R Block will donate $25 to our organization. Money raised will stay local to help those in need in our community! Please join us in thanking H&R Block for this opportunity!

"Toys from the Heart" is a collaborative partnership of the Knights of Columbus; United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd; Toys for Tots; and New River Community Action, who assists with eligibility screening.

"Toys from the Heart" serves children/youth 18 and younger, with toys, sports equipment, personal items, etc. suitable for their age. No food or critical clothing items are provided through this program.

"Toys from the Heart" depends on donated items from Toys for Tots, local businesses, local individuals and other community groups. There is always a need for more items to provide for children/youth ages 12-18 of both genders. A wish list is available upon request.

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The entire month of October, United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd is partnering with Papa John’s in Christiansburg, Blacksburg and Radford. When you make an order, they will ask you to donate one dollar to United Way. For all of your pizza and wing needs, please be sure to use Papa John’s and support your local United Way efforts to help the less fortunate in the New River Valley.

Over fifty area companies came out to support United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd in their Annual Campaign Kick-off on September 14th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Blacksburg.  Each table was hosted by a local United Way partner agency, who provided an interactive activity with guests about how their agency meets the needs of New River Valley.

United Way Board President, Jo Lynn Price, spoke on the importance of pulling together as a community and how invaluable it is to have resources for those in need.  Price stated, “Before becoming involved so many years ago, I didn’t realize how great the need is in our local area.  None of us know what the next day holds for us or what the hand of fate will deal us.  We’ve attempted to bring the agencies to you today in hopes of helping you become a little more familiar with the tremendous acts accomplished each day by people in this room!”

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Beginning Monday, August 9, United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd will have drop zones all around the New River Valley for school supply donations.  There will be two drop zone locations in Montgomery County, Radford City and Floyd County where generous individuals can donate school supplies to local children in need. A highly visible bin will be placed at the entrance of each drop zone with a United Way poster attached.  Bins will remain in place until Tuesday, August 31st, when the School Supply Drive will end.

All items donated will be given to local children in need of school supplies.  With growing needs in the area and decreases in donations, local children need our help more than ever.

Items Needed; Backpack, Lunchbox or insulated lunch bag, Binder, Pocket folders, Wide-rule spiral notebooks and/or notebook paper, College-rule notebook paper, Erasable ball-point pens (blue or black), No. 2 pencils, Highlighters, Pink erasers, Safety scissors, Washable markers, Colored pencils, Crayons, Glue sticks, Pointed scissors, Ruler, 3" x 5" index cards, 5-tab index dividers, Pocket-only folders, 3- or 5-subject spiral notebook, 5-tab index dividers, Pocket-only folders, Ruler, Protractor, Compass, Graph paper, calculator

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The 8th Annual FedEx Golf Tournament benefiting The United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd will be taking place on August 28th  starting at noon at Draper Valley Golf Course. The cost is $60 per player or $240 per team. There will be a Captain’s Choice Shotgun Start at noon and goodie bags as well as Food at the Awards program. First and second team will receive prizes as well as the golfer closest-to-the pin and longest yard! The cost includes green and cart fees. Companies can sponsor a hole for just $50 dollars and prize donations are welcomed! Remember all gifts are tax deductible! FedEx Coordinator Linda Ross states,” We are excited to be doing the tournament again this year and look forward to having a great time for such a worthy cause.”

For more information you can reach Linda Ross at 818-5102 or Karie Geiss or Justina Sumpter Public Relations Managers for The United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd at 540-381-2206.

240 leaders and volunteers from New River Valley’s non-profits and government-service institutions paused from their good works Thursday night, April 8, to honor the fifty-nine volunteers nominated for, and the five awarded the prestigious Leading Lights volunteer awards. Two years ago, the Virginia Tech German Club Alumni Foundation (GCAF) teamed up with area non-profit organizations to create the “Leading Lights: Neighbors Honoring Neighbors” recognition program to recognize and award NRV volunteers from all sectors who make community-changing impacts and serve as models to inspire others.

$1,000 is awarded on behalf of each award-winner to the NRV non-profit of their choice. The Jim and Lenna Moore Community Service and Citizenship Award - presented by the YMCA at VT, the American Red Cross, and AARP - was awarded at the event also.

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On Wednesday, March 10, 2010, Alliant Techsystems (ATK) in Radford, Virginia, presented a $51,000 donation to United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd. Concerned about the current economic impact on local families, ATK made their gift with specific intentions to assist with meeting basic needs.

“We are pleased to be able to help families in the New River Valley and the surrounding area who have been hard-hit by the economic downturn,” said Kent Holiday, Vice President and General Manager of the Energetics Systems Division. “ATK believes in supporting the communities we are a part of, and it gives us great pleasure to be able to do so through this donation to the United Way.”

United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd - the local United Way that serves the Radford ATK site - will coordinate allocation to surrounding geographic areas based upon the residency of current ATK employees.

“A gift this huge couldn’t have been made at a better time. The local community is hurting and donations are getting smaller and smaller, while needs continue to grow. With the help of companies like ATK our goals can be met, and people in this community will really see the benefits,” said Kymn Davidson-Hamley, Executive Director of United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd.